The contrasting condition of public parks in two adjoining wards — Ward 87 and Ward 94 — of the North Assembly constituency has sparked debate among residents, who allege civic amenities and maintenance standards vary significantly.
While Ward 87 residents say the parks in their area are in a dilapidated condition, those from Ward 94 hailed the facilities in their locality as clean and praiseworthy.
Both the wards are governed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors.
North MLA Madan Lal Bagga, however, denied any discrimination in development works. He said there was no pick-and-choose policy and development projects were being carried out across all wards of the constituency.
Residents living near the old vegetable market on Old GT Road claimed three parks in Ward 87, located near a petrol pump, have been neglected for a long time. They claim the parks are littered with garbage and lack regular maintenance. Locals alleged anti-social elements and drug addicts frequently gather in the parks, particularly during the morning and evening hours, making them unsafe for families and children.
The residents alleged although sheds have been constructed in the parks, there were no benches or seating facilities. Even as a garbage compactor has also been installed at one of the parks, waste is often found scattered nearby. They alleged the poor condition has discouraged residents from using the parks for recreation or daily walks.
In contrast, parks in neighbouring Ward 94 have seen significant improvements in the recent past. A sports park and playground have been developed, and outdoor gym equipment has been installed for public use. Residents said the parks are clean, well-maintained and attract visitors from nearby localities for exercise and leisure activities.
The stark contrast has led to residents questioning the uneven development. They urged the municipal corporation’s horticulture wing to ensure equal attention to all parks and pressed for better facilities in Ward 87.
Leader of Opposition in the MC House, Parveen Bansal, alleged several areas in the North constituency were suffering due to poor maintenance. He claimed a sports park had been developed in a ward but parks in nearby areas continued to be neglected despite repeated complaints from residents.
